The latest taster menu at Dhoom Strategy and Bar invites diners to taste the Southern sunshine and celebrates the food from South India and Chennai in particular.
The restaurant prides itself in presenting food from different regions and cities and changes the menu every six months. This is the third region after previous tasty dishes from Kolkata and Mumbai which our food reviewer has sampled. The menu includes lots of dahl, legumes, coconut, curry leaves and rice
They have set menus, a 7-course tasting lunch menu and a 10-course evening tasting menu as well as an à la carte menu. Our reviewer was invited to sample the 10-course menu.
The highlights, according to our reviewer, included Thankai Rassam – a pre-taster tomato soup infused with up to 20 spices which was a a real explosion on the taste buds. And a starter/palate cleanser Haulle Haulle – a creamy coffee yoghurt with a hint of banana – offered a brief respite from the spicy dishes.
As always, the main course offers a huge variety of dishes. Six meat and fish curries as well as three vegetarian/ vegan options. Opting for the Meen Moille, tamarind, and fresh coconut fish (Tilapia) curry seemed to fit the bill. This was “melt in the mouth fish and delicate coconut rice”.
Our reviewer concluded: “The staff at Dhoom are very attentive and knowledgeable, and allergies are well catered for. In fact most of the dishes were gluten, dairy and nut free. I would advise that you allow around an hour and a half to do justice to this exquisite meal.
“Dhoom is ideally situated for public transport, bus and train, so you can also sample their refreshing cocktails or a glass of wine without the need to drive home. The Alhambra theatre is also close so the restaurant is well positioned for a pre-theatre meal. Just leave enough time to experience the delights of Chennai.”
